Page 37 of A New Year In The Presidential Suite

“You’ve had fantastic luck,” said Lori. He’d spent a lot of money on charity and received prizes in return.

Everyone at their table stood, preparing to leave.

Lori spoke to each of them and walked with Guy to the coat check counter to get her coat.

Cynthia came up to Guy. “That’s a fantastic trip you won. I’m available to go with you. It’ll be more fun with two.”

“I agree,” said Guy, smiling at Lori.

Cynthia frowned and said, “We’ll talk about it later. And remember, we’re meeting tomorrow.”

“I’ll have time for coffee and to meet your friend,” said Guy. “That’s all.”

“We’ll see,” said Cynthia before turning away.

As Lori waited in the lobby while Guy went to retrieve his car, Susannah walked over to her.

“It was fun being with you tonight. Would you be interested in joining a group of my friends who meet every two weeks for a girls’ night out? It’s a lot of fun and a rewarding way to have some private girls’ talk.”

“Thanks. That sounds like a lot of fun. I’d love it,” said Lori, excited by the idea of broadening her social circle.

“I’ll call to give you details of where we’re gathering next.”

“I appreciate your thinking of me,” said Lori, waving as Guy’s car pulled into the front circle.

Lori went outside, where a Valet helped her into Guy’s car.

Guy drove out of the line of traffic and turned to her as he drove. “Want to go see my house? We can have a drink there before I take you home.”

“Yes. I need time to settle down. It was a lovely evening.”

“I think so, too. My partners enjoyed getting to know you better.”

“Everyone was very kind,” Lori said, wondering if she’d passed some sort of test.

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Lori knew the neighborhood where Guy had purchased his home. The Highlands was considered one of the most exclusive areas in the county.

He pulled up to a two-story Tudor-style home with a brown stone and beige stucco exterior accented with strips of wood for effect. It was a tasteful and beautiful house that suited Guy, who had impeccable and expensive taste.

“It’s a little big for one person, but that will change,” said Guy. “It reminds me of the house I grew up in.”

“It’s beautiful,” said Lori as they pulled into the three-car garage.

He helped her out of the car and then led her through the back entrance into the kitchen. Gazing at the high-end Bosch and Miele appliances, the many off-white, painted cabinets, and the gray granite countertops, Lori couldn’t help the sigh that escaped her lips. It was everything she and Nick had wanted to do with their kitchen someday.

“While I open a bottle of wine, feel free to look around. I haven’t fully furnished the house. That’s why I’m meeting Cynthia tomorrow. She has a friend who’s an interior decorator.”

Lori walked through the dining room and into the living room, turning on lights as she went. She loved the layout of both rooms and that each room had windows, overlooking landscapes. It was too dark to see what kind of plants they were, but she liked the idea of having the plantings soften the outline of the house.

Guy joined her in the living room. “Let’s sit in front of the fireplace. I’ll turn it on.”

He handed her a glass of red wine and turned on the fireplace before taking a seat on the couch beside her.

“Here’s to a super evening,” said Guy. “I can’t believe I won a trip to wine country. It’s because I was with you. Why don’t you join me?”

“I’d love to,” Lori said, feeling guilty that her excitement was from thinking she might have a chance to see Griffin again. “When is it?”